DOH Encourages Safe and Healthy Holidays with Ligtas Christmas 2024
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) has launched its Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign, urging everyone to make health and safety a priority during the holiday season.
“The DOH reminds the community to remain vigilant about potential health hazards while enjoying the festivities. Ligtas Christmas aims to educate and empower the public to prioritize well-being during this joyous time,” said Dr. Ma. Femie P. Japitana, Medical Coordinator for the Food and Waterborne Diseases Program, during a press conference Thursday.
The campaign emphasizes adopting a healthy lifestyle, ensuring road safety, and avoiding harmful practices like the use of fireworks.
Key Messages of the Campaign
- Healthy Living
- Focus on proper nutrition.
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Practice moderation and self-discipline.
- Fireworks Safety
- Opt for safer alternatives like blow horns (torotot), drums, or light sticks.
- Attend organized fireworks displays instead of using personal fireworks.
- Road Safety
- Follow traffic rules.
- Avoid distracted or impaired driving to prevent accidents.
- Protect Children
- Be extra cautious with children during celebrations, as 33% of firecracker-related injuries last year involved kids aged 1 to 10.
Last Year’s Statistics
Iloilo City Health Office Nurse II Dariane Joy Papa highlighted that Western Visayas recorded 294 firecracker-related injuries in 2023, emphasizing the need for increased awareness this year.
Ligtas Christmas is a DOH initiative promoting safety and health during the holiday season through education and awareness.
Fireworks can cause severe injuries and fires. Last year, children were the most affected, making up 33% of injuries in Western Visayas. Safer alternatives like blow horns and organized displays are recommended.
Focus on safer activities like family gatherings, noisemakers, and attending community-organized fireworks displays.
Thank you for this informative blog.